Sandra Smith is a retired Hartselle City Schools teacher, travel agent at Adventures Unlimited, loving wife to Fred, mother of 2 and grandmother of 3. Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 13 years ago and she shares her story of survival below.

Q: When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and how was the diagnosis made?

A: I was diagnosed in March 2005. I found a lump in my left breast through a self-examination. It had actually not shown on a mammogram and it was getting time for me to go again. 

Q: Do you remember your emotions when you were diagnosed? What did you do the first few days, and throughout treatment, to cope with the diagnosis?

A: The diagnosis was not that much of a surprise. My doctor in Decatur was insistent that I see a surgeon the morning after my initial appointment so I was somewhat prepared for it. My first thought after the diagnosis, I remember this so vividly, when I got back to my car, I remember thinking “Lord, what are you trying to teach me throughout this? What can I learn from it?” 

Q: What was your treatment like?

My doctor referred me to the Kirkland Clinic in Birmingham at my request and it was there that a team of doctors designed a comprehensive treatment plan that included four rounds of chemotherapy and 37 radiation treatments. I also had a lumpectomy after that was complete. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer but after the treatments, the tumor was completely gone! 

Q: Were there people in your life who helped you deal with what you were going through? 

There were too many people to even name. One of the things that were such an encouragement to me were those who I didn’t even know, who heard about me through friends and family, who took time to call me or send a card. They were a constant source of encouragement to me, and in turn, I’ve learned to do that for others now. 

Q:How do you feel now? Would you say your life is “back to normal?”

Oh yes, my life is completely normal now. It was really back to normal after the first year of remission for me. 

Q: Looking back on the whole experience from diagnosis, to treatment, to remission, are there any particular insights you would share?

My insights include trying to stay positive throughout the whole experience. Your caregivers take note and their attitude reflect your own. There are so many reasons to be positive even when you’re faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. So much research has been done and our technology has advanced so much. 

Q: Do you have any words of advice for other women about mammograms or prevention?

Prevention is certainly the best medicine of all. No one knows your body like you do: I was told that so many times. I can’t stress the importance of getting regular mammograms enough, but our first line of defense is staying aware of the changes in our body and taking swift action. 

Q: What would you say to someone who has a friend or relative being treated for breast cancer?

Patience is important always in situations like that. I think one thing I may tell caregivers and those who have a friend or family member who is a cancer patient, is to love and support them as best you can and not be too free with advice. Just trying to be open and honest and loving in your support and love for the person who is undergoing treatment.